Flintoff saddened by Lee's retirement

Flintoff saddened by Lee's retirement

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who reportedly persuaded Brett Lee into quitting Tests, on Wednesday said he is saddened by the Australian pacer's retirement, while several other former and current cricketers also paid tribute to one of the world's most feared fast bowlers.

Flintoff, who himself quit Test cricket last year to prolong his ODI and Twenty20 career, sad his Ashes rival and good friend should be remembered as an integral part of Australia's golden era of success.

"It is very sad to hear the news that Brett is to retire from Test cricket," Flintoff said.

Lee deserves a massive pat on his back: Ponting

Meanwhile, Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the pacer would be remembered as one of the greats of the game.

"That's certainly the way he should be recognised," Ponting said in praise of his former team-mate, who was an integral part of one of the most successful Australian Test sides under him.

"If we all just take a minute and think about what he's put himself through in that 10 or 12 years -- running 35 metres to bowl every ball, bowling every ball at close to 150km/h, and putting his heart on the line every ball he bowls. I think this bloke deserves a massive pat on the back," he added.

Image: Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee after winning a series in West Indies

One of the all-time greats

Australian pace icon Dennis Lillee echoed Ponting's view, describing Lee as one of the greatest tearaway fast bowlers the world had seen.

"Brett is going to go down as one of the great all-time express bowlers in the world. Bowling at 150 plus km/h puts a huge strain on the body and it can only take so much," Lillee said.

"For him to play 76 Tests and 300-odd wickets doing what he does is a credit to him," he added.

Former Australian captain and now noted commentator Richie Benaud hoped Lee would win back his limited-overs slot after recovering from an elbow injury.

"I hope Brett is able to continue to play for Australia in limited-overs internationals, he is a master of orthodox and reverse swing and no one has ever been more proud to represent his country in Test cricket," Benaud said.

"Lee and Glenn McGrath formed a splendid partnership with the new ball in both forms of the game from 1999 to 2007, and being one of only nine Australian pace bowlers to take 200 Test wickets is a great achievement," he added.

"To always come back fitter, hungrier, stronger and bowling the pace that he bowled, I just think is a testament to his character. I don't think the public would appreciate how much pain he bowled in and he always wanted another over," he said.